WPP-Backed Johannes Leonardo Names Mike Duda CEO

Former Deutsch Exec Was Most Recently Co-Founder of Consigliere Brand Capital

Johannes Leonardo has named Michael Duda CEO -- a new role at the creative agency helmed by co-founders Leo Premutico and Jan Jacobs.

Most recently, Mr. Duda was co-founder and managing partner of Consigliere Brand Capital, a three-year-old marketing consultancy and investment fund he launched with NBA star Steve Nash. The company has supported brands like Boston Beer Company, Chobani, Under Armour, Birchbox and Warby Parker.

A statement announcing Mr. Duda's new role was vague on future plans for the consultancy. It said he'll remain an investor, and Johannes Leonardo will also look for opportunities to partner with the company. Mr. Nash's involvement is unclear at this time.

Prior to the launch of Consigliere, Mr. Duda spent over a decade at Interpublic Group of Cos.' Deutsch, most recently as partner and chief corporate strategy officer. He also held several client leadership and business development roles at Kirshenbaum Bond + Partners after starting his career at Young & Rubicam.

"I flat-out missed the unique talent, culture and impact that an agency can truly have," said Mr. Duda in a statement.

He's a good get for Johannes Leonardo, a six-year-old, 40-person creative shop with a handful of sexy clients, including Google, Sprite and Nike, among others. After its launch in 2007 it had several good years on the new business front, but over the past 18 months the shop has been quiet.

"Choosing a business partner meant crystallizing our ambition and no one was better suited than Mike to help us fulfill it," said the partners in a statement. "Over the past few years he's gained a very rare set of skills and experience that will help us continue to redefine the role of an advertising agency and broaden our creative product. Mike's inspiring at the professional level, but perhaps even more importantly, at a human level."